Middle East and North Africa Book Series

ISSN: 2042-602X (Print) 2042-6038 (ebook)

Many consider the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as one of the most important emerging parts of the world economy in the 21st century. MENA is also strategically vital as it produces the majority of the world’s oil. However despite the region’s oil, most MENA countries score lower on Human Development Index (HDI) world ranking, with GDP, productivity and investment rates well below the global average. It is, therefore, becoming widely accepted that the dominant economic model of the region – based on the public sector, oil incomes and workers’ remittances –is not up to the challenges of modern globalisation and the needs of advanced knowledge-based societies. Given the apparently contradictory needs of economic growth and environmental conservation, it comes as no surprise that knowledge management (KM), innovation and sustainable development (SD) have had such a powerful influence in contemporary discussions on the future of the region.

The book series will act as a forum to provide senior academics and leading scholars, government and policy maker, business professional (individuals and societies) with the best available knowledge essential for achieving SD. The book series aims to publish research on the following five core themes of vital importance to the region:

Transforming the oil-based economy to a diverse knowledge-intensive economy based on innovation: learning from best practices, lessons from other nations as well as future policies in the region.

Building a sustainable environmental future: environmental audit; best practices in the region; policies for business and government; lessons from abroad.

Human Resources for the knowledge economy: assessing current transformation practices; identifying best practice examples; building local competences in innovation and leadership.

Evidence based policy and business development; capability building in policy making and in business, assessing business leadership in the region; creating the new generation of Middle Eastern business leaders.

Over-reliance on oil challenges the long-term sustainability of an economy. The UAE’s government has placed considerable focus on a comprehensive strategic planning exercise to transform the countrys economic structure from relying heavily on hydrocarbon resources to becoming a knowledge-based economy. Non-oil is to account for 80% of the countrys economy by 2021. From Oil to Knowledge examines the role of this major powerhouse of the Arab World to transform itself into a leader in the adoption of science, technology and innovation to drive economic success on the international stage.

In this first book to present and critically evaluate the extent of the UAEs success in diversifying its economy and implementing the principles and approaches of a Knowledge Economy, the authors identify the achievements of the government to date and the areas of further development. From Oil to Knowledge will be utilised as a guide by policymakers and senior managers to enhance their ability to think strategically towards implementing the pillars of a Knowledge Economy within their own organisations and nation states.

In order to assess the suitability of submissions, authors are required to submit an abstract (100–150 words maximum) which concisely and clearly outlines the purpose, methodology, findings, contribution, limitation as well as practical implications (if applicable) of the chapter. Please consult the Guidelines for Authors before submitting your abstract/chapter.

Manuscripts, in the first instance, should be forwarded to:
Hend Abdalrahman AL-Muftah and Allam Ahmed(*protected email*).

Deadline for abstract submission: 25 January 2016Deadline for FULL paper submission: 15 March 2016